The new Prime Minister’s commitment to spreading power and opportunity to every part of the UK needs to be underpinned by allowing local building companies greater access to public sector contracts if it is to have real meaning, says the Federation of Master Builders (FMB). If the Government is serious about devolving power away from Westminster and driving growth in towns, cities and regions across the country, it must work with the thousands of SME building firms already rooted in those communities, according to the FMB.
Brian Berry, Chief Executive of the FMB said: "Builders will be looking closely at how Andy Burnham’s new government intends to deliver on its ambitions. His commitment to spreading power and opportunity to every postcode in Britain will resonate with communities across the country. If the Government is serious about devolving power and delivering growth in every region, small local builders must be part of that vision. Rooted in the communities they serve, the nation's builders are uniquely placed to deliver the homes, jobs and economic growth needed in every town, city and region of the UK."
Berry continued: "Today's speech set out a broad vision for Britain, but we need to see the details. As Andy Burnham’s government develops its ten-year plan, we need to see a greater role for SME builders in delivering new homes, including this Government's ambition to roll out a new generation of council houses. Alongside this, action must be taken to tackle skills issues in construction, accelerate the retrofit of existing homes, support small businesses to grow, and introduce a mandatory licensing scheme for domestic building companies to raise standards and protect consumers. The nation's network of local builders stands ready to work with the Government to turn ambition into delivery."
For more information visit fmb.org.uk
